A fixture in Rosedale, Grandma Loves You has become a much-loved destination for food enthusiasts, attracting a dedicated following with its delicious sandwiches, mouth-watering sausages and irresistible desserts.
Unfortunately, due to a recent condo development in the area, the original location at 1084 Yonge St. has had to shut its doors. Undeterred, Grandma Loves You is excited about its new beginning at Yonge and St. Clair.
“It’s OK, this is Toronto,” says co-owner Artin Davoodi. “But we’re excited about our new location. It’s a beautiful store with a beautiful patio and seating area, so summer will be beautiful with the patio.”
Despite its modest size, Grandma Loves You has made a significant impact on the Toronto food scene, capturing the hearts of patrons who flock to this cosy takeout spot for its signature sandwiches and fancy hot dogs, each named after a country. Adventurous eaters can savour the France Dog with brie and blueberry jam; the Japan Dog with avocado, cucumber, seaweed, wasabi and mayonnaise; or the Spain Dog topped with mango, goat cheese and sweet chili sauce.
“I grew up in the business,” says Davoodi. “So my wish was always to have a sandwich shop.”
Davoodi recalls spending summers working at his grandfather’s own sandwich shop in Iran which he helmed for four decades. Given this rich family history, it comes as no surprise that family values are at the core of everything he undertakes.
The name Grandma Loves You has its roots in Germany, where Davoodi and his wife Sarah once had a store with the same name. With a strong family background and a desire to create a business that resonates personally, Davoodi opened Grandma Loves You’s doors in Toronto in 2019.
Eagerly looking forward to a fresh start at Yonge and St. Clair with Sarah, Davoodi also reveals the recent opening of a third location (they expanded with a shop inside Chef’s Hall in 2023), this time in North York.
The new location offers an expanded range, including coffee, sweets, breakfast and diverse seating options.
“The dream is to continue to expand and to share the love,” says Davoodi.
Grandma Loves You is open at 40 St. Clair Ave. W.
